If you are buying comic book on E-bay you really need to have a bidding or sniping program. In the past I recommended a couple of sites on Comic Book Secrets but after talking with one of the folks over at bidnapper and trying the service I am going to recommend their program exclusively. To give full disclosure if you click on a link to their program from this site I am compensated, similarly to the other two programs (out of many similar services) I recommended in the past.

Why did I switch? First, I think the Bidnapper program is more complete and has an easier to use interface. Second, I want to make a streamlined a recommendation as possible and if I were to choose only one service to recommend, it would be Bidnapper. You can get a free trial here: ebay sniper

Why Bidnapper?

If you are serious about winning comics on E-bay for the best possible price a sniping/bidding program is a must, preferably one that bids for you from an outside server, not your computer. Bidnapper fits the bill. I really like the way the program interfaces with your e-bay watch list, making bulk additions to your bids a snap. The use interface is very intuitive and you can see all of your auctions in one place in a very easy to read format.

Some other benefits I like:
– It works with other auction sites other than E-bay. Many of these sites have good deals on key comic books from time to time.
– You have the option of paying for the unlimited bids for a set period or paying for a set number of winning bids only. This is really nice if you aren’t a heavy buyer on E-bay, but still want to increase your winning percentage when you bid without wasting money
– Free trial period
– Browser tool for easier addition of auctions

I’ll be updating the Comic for Pennies video in the Member Only Section over the next few days. This updated video will include the use of Bidnapper as it’s example program. In the meantime, if you want to try a free trial, click here: ebay sniper

One of the most important steps in getting the most bang for your buck in the comic book hobby is knowing what type of hobbyist you are. Are you an investor? Speculator? Pure collector or a bit of all three?

If you’re a pure collector here are 3 basic rules to help save money in this hobby.

Rule #1 – Know the Real Value of Comic Books
This would seem obvious, but year after year I watch collectors thumb through the latest Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide in search of the value of a comic they want to buy, only to overpay. The Guide is a great resource, but for a vast number of common and lower grade comic books it is way off base. You must make sure you know what the real sales price is in the marketplace. Use the Instant Comic Book Values and Price Guide just for this purpose.

Rule #2 – Don’t Overbuy
By “overbuy” I mean don’t purchase a high grade comic book when I lower grade will do. If you are a pure collector, why pay big $$$ for a comic book you are going to be afraid to damage? I would also shy away from mid grade comic books – comic books in the Fine grade. These comics really have no home. Readers/pure collectors don’t want them because they cost more. Investors don’t want them because they are chasing high grade issues.

One good thing about purchasing lower grade comics is they tend to hold value since there are other pure collectors out there who want to buy reading copies. They probably won’t skyrocket in price, but they probably won’t collapse either.

Rule #3 – Use Good Buying Strategies
Buying comic books involves not only finding the issue you want but using good negotiating and buying skills. I highly recommend you get the free Comic Book Crash Course I offer on this site. It includes videos of how I go about securing the lowest price possible when I purchase comics, plus ton more free information about value, buying and selling comic books.

Make sure to use these rules to get the most bang for your buck for your comic book collection.

As a comic book collector it is always difficult to tell those giving you gifts exactly what comics to purchase. Let’s face it, buying comic books for a serious collector is not for the lay person.

The good news is there is a solution!

How about asking for an E-bay gift card? It’s an elegant solution and gives you time to find that perfect comics without driving somebody else nuts!

Combine with some free cash by getting some E-bay bucks and you have a real winner.

Get E-bay gift cards here!